How to Wash and Care for Acetate and Triacetate Clothes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wash-acetate-and-triacetate-clothes-2147018-Hero-79664b3f88fd432188c7638efeb61cae.jpg)
The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu
Acetate and triacetate are synthetic fabrics made from spun filaments of cellulose. Both materials function as a substitute for silk in less-expensive garments, and similar care must be taken when washing these delicate fabrics. Acetate is also used frequently for suit and coat linings. Acetate manufacturers often suggest dry cleaning because the material doesn't always react well with water and becomes weaker when wet. However, with extra care, it's possible to successfully wash some acetate fabrics at home.
-
The 10 Best Laundry Detergents of 2023, Tested and ReviewedRead Now
-
The 11 Best Green Laundry Detergents of 2023Read Now
-
The 6 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin of 2023, Tested and ReviewedRead Now
-
The 8 Best Smelling Laundry Detergents of 2023Read Now
-
The 8 Best Laundry Detergent Pods of 2023Read Now
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Washing machine
- Drying rack (optional)
Materials
- Gentle detergent
- Mesh laundry bag
- Baking soda (optional)
Instructions
How to Wash Acetate and Triacetate Clothes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wash-acetate-and-triacetate-clothes-2147018-Tools-039523dfdf894ba3858d780c26a418f0.jpg)
The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu
How to Wash Acetate and Triacetate Clothes | |
---|---|
Detergent | Gentle |
Water Temperature | Cold |
Cycle Type | Delicate or hand-wash |
Drying Cycle Type | Do not machine-dry |
Special Treatments | Air-dry only |
Iron Settings | Low |
How Often to Wash | After every 1-2 wears |
-
Read the Care Label Before Washing
Always read and carefully follow care labels on clothing for best results. Even though acetate and triacetate fabrics can be washed, some garment care tags may recommend dry cleaning only to preserve the shape and structure of the garment. If you're a novice at doing laundry or the garment is expensive, it's best to follow the dry cleaning recommendation.
The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu
-
Place Garments Into Mesh Bag
Prevent snagging from zippers of embellishments on other clothes by placing the acetate or triacetate garment in a mesh bag before adding it to the washer. Turn the item inside out for extra protection before putting it in the bag.
The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu
-
Load and Set the Washing Machine
Don't overload the washer. Choose the gentle cycle, cold water, and a reduced-speed spin cycle. Too much agitation and high-speed spinning can produce excessive wrinkles that can be very difficult to remove from acetate and triacetate fabrics.
The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu
-
Remove From Washer and Air-Dry
Skip the clothes dryer, and allow acetate and triacetate clothes to air-dry by placing them flat or hanging them on a drying rack. Excessive heat may cause the garments to shrink.
The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu
Treating Stains on Acetate and Triacetate
Treat stains on acetate and triacetate fabrics with a stain remover that's meant for the specific type of stain you're treating, such as coffee stains, ink, or makeup. To remove unpleasant smells, soak the garment for 30 minutes in cold water that's been mixed with 1 cup baking soda, and then wash normally. Never use acetone (nail polish remover) or organic solvents like turpentine to remove stains on acetate or triacetate because the fibers will dissolve, and this cannot be reversed.
Acetate and Triacetate Care and Repairs
Mending a tear in an acetate or triacetate lining requires a needle and thread. Trim or tuck under any frayed edges of the rip, and then pinch or pin the tear together. Stitch the tear as best you can. It doesn't need to be perfect since it's hidden in an interior lining.
If you have a small rip in taffeta that's made of acetone, it's best to use fabric repair tape to stop the problem from tearing any further. Fixing fraying acetate requires either trimming away the threads, tucking under the fabric and hand-sewing a clean edge, or applying a fabric glue formulated to stop fraying.
Storing Acetate and Triacetate
Store acetate garments away from any alcohol-based products like perfume or nail polish remover, which can damage the fabric. Instead of hanging items—which can cause garments to lose their shape—fold and store the garments flat.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wash-acetate-and-triacetate-clothes-2147018-Storing-d6b24f5945954010a13e5a389860ff72.jpg)
The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu
How Often to Wash Acetate and Triacetate
Loose and flowing acetate garments usually don't need frequent laundering. However, tighter clothing, such as a fitted acetate tank, blouse, or dress, will require cleaning after every wear.
What are Acetate and Triacetate Fabrics?
Though closely related, these two cellulose fabrics slightly differ. Triacetate is a modified form of acetate with improved properties. They differ in the way the two fibers are processed. Here's more information about the two fabrics:
Acetate
Acetate fiber is manufactured from cellulose or wood pulp. What originally began in Europe as a manufactured coating for airplane wings became a staple in United States fabric production by 1924 by the Celanese Corporation.
Originally, acetate wasn't dye-stable, and color bleeding would occur. However, this was resolved by textile experts who realized that solution dyeing the fibers rather than waiting to dye the finished fabric made the color stable. Now, all synthetic fibers are solution-dyed before weaving or knitting.
Since acetate is less expensive to produce than many other fibers (thanks to an abundance of wood pulp) and isn't very durable, it's often used for short-term special occasion wear, like graduation gowns and party dresses. It's also the fabric of choice for some accessories, like ribbons, scarves, and neckties, that aren't worn often.
Triacetate
Additional advancements were made by the Celanese Corporation in the 1950s with the development of triacetate. This is a cellulosic fiber made with wood pulp, but it contains less cellulose than regular acetate fibers. That means it handles better when washed, it can withstand more agitation and heat without damaging the fibers, and it's wrinkle-resistant under most conditions. Triacetate is also used to make dresses, skirts, sportswear, and other types of garments where the retention of permanent pleats is important.
Ironing
If an acetate or triacetate garment must be ironed, use a low temperature and a pressing cloth to prevent melting fibers, which can create holes or shiny spots. Press while the fabric is slightly damp and turned inside out.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wash-acetate-and-triacetate-clothes-2147018-Ironing-be8ca59674dd448085dd28a1a5408a5e.jpg)
The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu
Additional Tips for Washing Acetate and Triacetate
- Acetate is a weak fiber and shouldn't be exposed to any type of heat because the fabric can melt.
- If you have a dress or suit that can be hand-washed, but the lining is acetate, take the garment to a dry cleaner for professional cleaning.
- Pleated garments made from triacetate can be hand-washed but can also be dry-cleaned.
- Don't use starch on acetate clothing.
- If the underarm areas of a suit or coat lining made of acetate are worn or retain underarm odors, a dry cleaner or tailor may be able to replace the area with patches or an entirely new lining.
-
Is polyester the same as acetate?
Polyester and acetate are both manmade materials. Polyester is a synthetic material made from polyester filaments. Acetate fibers are considered semi-synthetic since they are made by processing wood pulp with acetic acid.
-
What are the disadvantages of triacetate?
Triacetate can wrinkle easily when it's wet, but is wrinkle-resistant in most other conditions. Ironing at too high a temperature can also ruin triacetate so it's best to keep the iron at a low temperature and avoid steam ironing the material.
-
What does triacetate feel like?
Triacetate typically has a silky, satiny, glossy, and smooth look and texture that's also cool to the touch. It can have some stretchiness to it, as well.